UK mortgage lending slows

The increase in total net lending to individuals in March (£10.8 billion) was lower than the increase in February but in line with the previous six-month average, according to figures from the Bank of England.

The twelve-month growth rate fell 0.1 percentage points to 10.5%. The three-month annualised growth rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 10.4%.

Within the total, the increase in net lending secured on dwellings (£9.9 billion) was below the increase in February but above the previous six-month average. The twelve-month growth rate was unchanged from February at 11.5%. The three-month annualised growth rate fell, by 0.2 percentage points to 11.5%. The number of loans approved for house purchase (111,000), those for remortgaging (100,000) and those for other purposes (72,000) were all lower than in February.

The increase in net consumer credit in March (£0.9 billion) was lower than the increase in February. The rise in net credit card lending of £0.2 billion was higher than in February. Net other loans and advances rose by £0.7 billion (lower than the increase of £0.9 billion in February). The annual growth rate of consumer credit was unchanged from February at 5.9%, and the three-month annualised growth rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 5.1%.